U.S. Senate advances discussion on economic aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan

EFE

The U.S. Senate moved closer this Sunday to approving a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, displaying unbroken bipartisanship despite opposition from Republicans and Donald Trump.

The Democrat-led Senate voted 67 to 27 in an unusual Sunday session to overcome the final procedural hurdle and bring the foreign aid measure closer to a final vote on its approval in the coming days.

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The funding is considered crucial for Kyiv as the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaches. However, Senate approval would send the bill to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where it faces an uncertain future.

Eighteen Republicans backed the legislation after Trump, the leading Republican contender for the White House, criticized the bill on social media, stating that foreign aid should take the form of a loan.

The next Senate action is scheduled for Monday night, where lawmakers will hold two procedural votes: one to approve the aid package as an amendment to a House bill, and another to limit debate before the final approval vote, which could occur on Wednesday, according to advisers.

The legislation includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, and $4.83 billion to support partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan, and deter Chinese aggression.

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It would also provide $9.15 billion in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other conflict zones worldwide.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who holds a narrow Republican majority of 219-212, has indicated that he might attempt to split the aid provisions into separate measures once the bill arrives from the Senate.